Our Mission
The Southampton Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the community of Southampton and beyond with first-rate cinema, live events, and more. Our four screens include a state-of-the-art IMAX theater, 35mm projection, and a flexible space for parties and performance arts, while our lounge area and bookstore provide additional opportunities to enjoy our unique cultural environment. These resources allow us to create a constant dialogue between the past and present of the moving image as well as its relationship to society as a whole.
As a historic theater that first opened its doors in 1932, the Playhouse embodies the resilience of the theatrical experience and its ability to inspire audiences for generations. Our programming is designed to appeal to all sensibilities, blending the latest blockbusters with new and exciting discoveries from around the world, alongside eclectic repertory programs that probe the depths of film history. We are committed to providing interactive resources for audiences in many forms, from post-screening Q&As to workshops, lectures, and other bespoke experiences. In our weekly newsletter, The Playhouse Post, our artistic director Eric Kohn blends cultural journalism with film history and industry insights to contextualize our program. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on showtimes and other upcoming events.
Maria Angellines Ruiz Botsacos
Executive Director
Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos is the Executive Director of the Southampton Playhouse. She brings over 30 years of experience in the film, entertainment, hospitality, and non-profit sector. She previously served as Vice President, Special Projects at the Film at Lincoln Center, the non-profit behind the New York Film Festival and Chaplin Award Gala. There, she provided strategy for and oversight of year-round special events. She also spearheaded fundraising opportunities for the organization and served as the liaison to its board. Served on the inaugural team for the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mount Sinai. Maria is a Board Member of Cinema Tropical and a Member of BAFTA North America. Favorite films include:Her favorite films include Mildred Pierce (1949), Hable Con Ella (2002), Blue Velvet (1986), and Psycho (1960).
Eric Kohn
Artistic Director
Eric Kohn is the artistic director of the Southampton Playhouse, overseeing its programming initiatives throughout the year and writing its weekly newsletter, The Playhouse Post. He brings nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist at IndieWire, the entertainment trade publication, where he served as Chief Film Critic, Senior Editor, and Vice President of Editorial Strategy. While there, he co-hosted the popular movie podcast "Screen Talk" with Anne Thompson, in addition to covering Sundance, Cannes, the Oscars, and more. His writing has also appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, and other publications. A two-time chair of the New York Film Critics Circle, Kohn co-founded the Critics Academy initiative, a workshop for aspiring entertainment writers. Since 2013, he has served as an adjunct professor of cinema studies at New York University. He also produces feature films, including several recent projects with Harmony Korine. His favorite movies include Breathless, F for Fake, The Night of the Hunter, and anything directed by Agnes Varda or Ernst Lubitsch.
ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE
The Southampton Theatre in Southampton, NY, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1932. This charming, old-fashioned theater, located in the heart of the village, quickly became a local cultural hub, offering a wide range of films and entertainment to both residents and visitors. In its early years, the theater was known for screening the latest Hollywood films, drawing audiences with its blend of cinematic glamour and small-town charm. Over the decades, the Southampton Theatre underwent various renovations, adapting to new technologies and evolving tastes in film.
Despite these updates, the theater has retained its nostalgic, vintage atmosphere and remains a beloved institution within the community. Now renamed the Southampton Playhouse and having undergone an extensive renovation, this multi-purpose arts center is set to become a dynamic gathering place once more, showcasing both current blockbusters and independent films. With a robust repertory and live event program and a renewed focus on community engagement, the Playhouse honors its historical roots while continuing to serve as a cultural landmark in one of the most iconic seaside towns on Long Island.
Contact Us
Phone +1 631.339.9069
📍 43 Hill Street, Southampton, NY 11968
Phone +1 631.339.9069
General info@southamptonplayhouse.com
Ticketing boxoffice@southamptonplayhouse.com
Press Inquiries southamptonplayhouse@frankpublicity.com